Device for producing sound-signals in water.



H. B GALE. DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SOUND SIGNALS IN WATER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5, 1906.

' Patented Oct. 5, 1909.

1 m E F FJ H K I A t B E o 5 7 Q, 5 3 9 witnesses. J6, QM WW 4 Inventor:

oer Mflftorneys.

H. B. GALE. DEVICE FOR PRODUGING SOUND SIGNALS IN WATER.

APPLICATION FILED MAE. 5, 1906.

Patented Oct. 5, 1909.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

witnesses. Inventbr.

Jlttorney v H. B. GALE. DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SOUND SIGNALS IN WATER.

v I APPLICATION FILED MAE- 5, 1906' 935,750- Patented Oct. 5, 1909.

\ 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

H. B. GALE. DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SOUND SIGNALS IN WATER.

APPLIGATIN-I'ILED MAB. 5, 1906.

I 935,750. Patented Oct. 5, 19,09.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII U/i tnesses.

946m lmlen f o n -46. QJL ,Zw'f 45 4 tinrrnnsrarnsrarnna oraicn.

H'ORAQE B." GALE, or BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ssmnon r SUBIVIARINE srcNAL COMPANY, or WATER ILLE, MAINE, A CORPORATION or MAINE v DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SOUND-SIGNALS IN WATER.

I Specification of Letters latent.

Patented Oct. 5, 1909.

Application filed March 5, 1906. Serial No. 304,407.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Honaon B. GALE, a citizen of the United States, residing in Boston, in' the conntyof Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Devices for Producing'Sound-Signals in Water, and do hereby declare the following, when read in. connection with the accompanying drawings, to be such afull, clear, and exact disclosure thereof as will enable others skilled in the art to which my invention relates to make and use the same.

It has been ascertained by experiment that in a signaling device for submarine purposes, the vibrating body to be the most efii: cieut should be in direct contact with the water, in order that the sound waves may be produced in the medium by which they are to be conducted, and loss of energy in their pa ssaget'rom one medium to another thereby. avoided. It is however, a decided practical advantage that the apparatus for exciting the vibrations of the resonant body should, itself, be protected from direct immersion or cont-act with the water. Especially is this true of electrical apparatus, which is pe- "culiarly liable to injury by salt water. In

case a hammer-isused to excite the vibration of the resonant body, it is found also that immersion of the hammer in water tends to offer considerable resistance to its rapid motion. Another objection to the admission of water to the operating parts is that "an ever-present film of water prevents a clean contact of striker and sounder. Again, unless the water be excluded the mechanism is liable to corrosion, marine growths and interference from fioatin g obstructions which seriously interfere with its operation.

Having these and other points in mind, one object of my invention is the production ot a. submarine sounding device in which the vibrating body is indirect contact with the water for delivering thereto vibrations of great energy, and in which the operating parts are entirely protected from the water.

Another object of my invention is the production of a submarine sounding device wherein the operating mechanism cannot be obstructed by or in anyway be subject to the effects of the presence of water, and which has no moving parts which have to be packed to prevent the admission of water.

Another ObjQChOf my invention is the pro- .met-al than the restof the case. St/THOUGH is mainly fOI COIIVQIlIGIICO 1n 'manufacture-the body of the case being cast in duction ofyetficient operat ng means especially adapted to my particular sounding device for actuating the same with great energy.

Other objects of my invention will presently appear upon reference to the description thereof in connection with the drawings, Wherein Figure 1 is an elevation, mainly in section, of a sounding device embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a view illustrating the operation of my device in connection with a buoy or other floating structure, the 0perating mechanism in this instance being slightly different from that shown in Fig. 1. Fig.

3 represents a sectional view illustrating another modification of the operating devices, and Fig. 4 a sectional View taken on the line 4:t of Fig. 8. Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of my invention. Fig. 6 is a vertical section, and Fig. 7 an elevation illustrating another form of my invention.

Referring specifically to the drawings, It represents a closed case, preferably, though not necessarily,-entirely metallic, serving the double function of resonant case or sounder and a receptacle for operating means.

E is a thicker portion of the case which serves as the vibrator, and which, in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, takes the form of a heavy ring which may be either integral with the rest of the case as shown, or of separate construction and attached thereto. It may pro ject either on the inside or on the outside of the case, or on both sides thereof, as shown in Figs. 1, 3', 4, and 5.

In Figs. 1 and 2, one end of the caseB is formed by a cap A, which may be of thinner This conone piece, and the ca attached (for example, by calking and so dering) so as to make a permanent 'atertight joints-in effect,

-n iaking the cap one piece with the body of the ca se.

Various devices for exciting the vibration of the sounder may be; used in my invention, and I do not confine myself to any particular device for this purpose.

Fig. 1 illustrates the type of exciter whirl; I now prefer, comprising a hammerF ad a pt-- edto strike the ring E and an elcctrormignct D with a movable armature C for actuating by passing an electric current through the coil. t)" surrounding the forks of the magnet l) and armature (J.

The source of electrical power may be subn'icre'ed in the sea or may be located upon shore or upon a vessel or other floating struc ture and is connected to the sounding device by the cable J. The striker is in this in.- stanee shown as mounted on one arm of the bell crank level. ll, which lever is pivoted on the journals ii on a lug 72, located for c0nvenicnee on the top of the magnet I). The shorter arm of the lever is pivotally connected with the link G which, in its turn, is shown as pivotally connected to the rod 0 having a collar 0', which rests upon the armature (J of the magnet D; A. helical spring S upon the collar 0 and be tween it and the collar O for the purpose below descril'ied.

I have shown the case B, Fig. 1., as having formed thereon a junction box M. The cable J is firmly attached to this box at the opening It by means of its sheath and any suitable locking means. The box is provii'lcd with an o 'iei'iing and a IOJTlOViLblG cover it therefor. The terminal wires oil the electric operating means presently to be described are laid through the opening P into the junction box. The line wires of the electric supply cable J pass into the junction box at the opening R and are securely connected to the wires W within the box. This done. the cover K of the box is tightly secured in place. An opening; l) is shown in the top of the junction be); M, and a plug L pr-iivide l for said. opening. Through this m cnine", after the (lllllfll'ltl connections are complete and the cover in place, I pour a waterproof insulating compoimd until the box M is filled, thus sealing and making perfectly water-light the joints at which the cable and wires enter the same. The plug L then seemed in place.

The operation of th 1 actuating mechanism is as tolhrws: When the magnet l) is not en ergincd the weight of the armature (l and its coimcctiiur parts cause the hammer F and the arm ll to assume the position shown in.

the dotted lines at F" and H Uponthe passage of current through the coil. 0 forthe sounding of a signal the aru'laturc (J is drawn up, throwing the striker into the po sition shown. in full lines in the drawings Fig. The momentum of" themovii'ig parts, however. carries the striker slightly beyond this position and into contact with the ling E, thus delivering a blow which sets the ring into vibration which vibrations are repeated in the water and the prcdetern'iined signal given. The helical springs though temporarily yielding under the momentum of the moving parts quickly forces the rod 0 slightly down again and the hammer F. The magnet D is energized causes the striker to recede from its position of contact with the ring I) to the position shown in the tall lines of the drawing, thus preventlng such contact of the striker and ring as would dampen the vibrations. Upon interruption of the current the striker again falls back into the position indicated by the dotted lines, the armature simultaneously dropping to the bottom of the case B, and the apparatus is ready for another stroke.

In Fig. 2 I have illustrated a mmlification of my invention so far as the operating means is concerned. This figure shows my invention as in operative connection with a. gas buoy of the type usually employed in the light-house service. This buoy ha vc represented by X. It is charged with gas under pressure, which supplies in the usual manner a lamp N supported upon a frame work above the buoy. The gas as it passes from the reservoir within the buoy to the lamp N may be caused to operate suitable mechanism incloscd in the case 0" to actuate a reciprobatingrod G. This rod is shown as passing through a tube T into a mechanism case or sounder of the character heroint'ore described, which is attached to the bottom of the buoy below the water.

I' have not shown the mechanism for operating the rod G as it forms no part of my present invention. It may, however, be ol the type shown and described in United States Patent No. (337,925, for operatingbclls in the air. In this instance, the operating mechanism in the case B is as follows: The striker F is mounted upon the long arm of the bell crank lever H pivoted as herelo't'orc described at the point h upon a lug 1/ on the bottom plate (.2. To the short arm of lhe lever the reciprocating rod G is connected and at the point of connection is provided with an elongated slot 0", whereby the reciprocating rod and the arm of the lever 'have relative movement for the purposes to be presently described. A spring (1' is altar-lied to an extension of the arm ll beyond the pivotal point. The other end of the spring (I is attached at the point Y to the part. A of the casting B. Two leaf springs S, S, are shown mounted on the plate Q, lo

prevent by their contact with the extension of the arm ll, the striker F fi'omremaiuing in contact with the ring E after being thrown against the same.

The striker F is thrown against the ring I) by the spring C The apparatus being" in the position shown in Fig. 2, the rod (l' on being forced upward will rotate the arm ll about the pivot ll to throw the striker l to the right. The point a will be simultaneously carried to the left and when the arm ll has passed slightly beyond the vertical position the spring 0 will throw the striker I" quickly toward the right and against the ring If], the slot in the lower end of the rod llh water.

. 60 Cup-on saidbodyj to originate sound vibrations therein capable of transmission through freeman G permitting this-tree motion 'ofthe;

.5'carricd toward'the left, and after it"has spring C quickly to the left, again strikingi the ring E; andbeing returned by the leaf 10 spring S to the position shown in the drawi1 Figs. 3'and 5 I' have shown a lug or ring 0 attached to and forming part of the case for suspending the apparatus in the Ii -Figs. 3, 4, and 5, the means for exciting the Vibration of the resonant body consists of electro magnets O which cause the case B to vibrate by means of magneticlines of .force in the manner set forth as applied to vibrating a' bell inUni ted, States Patent No.

' (336,519fto Gray & Mu'ndy. and which, therefore, need not be further described.

In Figs-l, 2, 3, 4, and 5, have shown my inyention embodied in ana'pparatus in which the sounder is in the form'of a ring which forms part of the casing containing the striking mechanism. I do not, however mean to limit my invention to the. form of sounder shown, as in certain cases a' plate or dia-- phragm may beused as the sounder, my invent-ion being limited only bythe necessity that a vibrating body shall bein contact with the water and the vibrating mechanism be protected from the Water and at the same time be arranged to impart the-necessary vibrationsdirectly to -the' vibrating bod Suchla modification of the resonant case is shown in Figs. 6 and 7, in which the thickened portion E' is lathe form of bosses in the center of the round diaphragms O and 0, respectively. phra 'ms so that each sound, the utility of the signaling means ma be increased. v

D are shown, which may be energized alter" natelyfattractmg alternately the armatures C. and 0 causing the hammer F to str ke alternate blows on the two diaphragms O 1. In an apparatus for producing sound signalsin water, the combination of a sound-' "ingbody having aportion of its surface adapted to be ex osed to contact with water, and a portion t ere'ofshielded therefrom,

tlie"vvater. 7 .7

2. In. an apparatus for producing sound vibrations in water; the combination of a --onfclosed sounding body aclapt'edfto be i acting di -eetly thereon to ori vibrations therein and adapted io'icause s trical mechanism, also inclosed in said bo'dy By co structing these diaill give a different stant-ially as set forth. Z

11 Figs. 6 and 7 a. pair-of magnets D and and means inclosed therein acting directlymersed in water, means inclosed in the body "m t und body to impart sound vibrations to the; rounding water, and means for oper'at I said inclosed means from a point outside-thee body, as set forth. v "j 3. In anappara'tus for producingsound i vibrations in water, the combination of a closed soundin body immersed in water, striker adapted to strike against the inner, surface thereof to cause the vibration ofsaid body, means for operating said. striker in-v closedin said body'and means for causing the actuating of said striking operating. means from a point outside the casing, as I described. 'i i 4. In an apparatus for producing sound vibrations in water, the combination ciaclosed metallievibratory body, a striker at closed in the said body and adapted'to strike upon the inside surface thereof, and el for actuating the said striker, and afcabld or insulated'wire attached to the, said body and entering the same thrqugh a sealed op ing whereby electrical pwer may be cc veyed u inside the body for operating t. striker, whereby sound signals will b'e'origi nated capable of being transmitted through the water in which thebody is immersed. I 5. In an apparatus for producing soundjvibrations in Water comprising a closed cy lindrical metallic case, having aghickencd" portion, a striker inclosed in the saidca'se and adapted to strikesaid thickened portion, an electrical mechanism for actuating the striker, and a cableor insulat wire entering the case through a sealed opening whereby electrical impulses may be r nveycdginside the. case for operating thestrikei' to originate and transmit sound signalasub' 6. A water-tight submerged'case, a por- I tion of which .is capa-ble of, exciting sound vibrations in water in dontact with it, and

means incloseifwithin the case whereby the vibrating portion of said case may be set 1 in motion to originate and transmit signals, 116

as described.

7. A. submerged lWater-tight case capable of vibration and of transmit-ting.sound,vi

brat-ions to water in which such case is submerged, and means inclosedwithin said'case 1% whereby sound. vibrations may beset up in said case, as described.

8. A water-tight casegjhaving two' or' more faces each capable of transmitting soundiy i brat-ions to water and each attuned (liiicr- 1 ently from the other, said case being adapted to be submerged in water, said case being provided with means inclosed therein WllOl'Ee by such vibrations may be excited, in combinatiou'with means located outside the case 1319 whereby said exvil'in;- 11mins may [no npvr- MM.

i\ HHIHIHl'fJl'li wnh-r-lighi sound-p11)- ducingvnsv, a siriking nwnns ini-Iusvd within said (uric means incinsed within (In: (kl--70 for npvmting' Silili striker to cause it to engage (in) internal wall of said vase, H10 portion of Hm W21 suungagwl being thicker than HH- HORACE B. (LUJE.

In prusonvo ofz- I I M. I). Frhumn'n',

M. V. Foam. 

